Conservative members would be prepared to sacrifice the union, destroy their party or suffer economic damage to get the UK out of the European Union, a poll has suggested.

The YouGov survey of party members – who will decide the next prime minister – suggests that almost half (46%) would be happy to see the Brexit Party’s Nigel Farage as their new leader.

Despite the strong support for Brexit, even if it had major repercussions, Tory members indicated they would be prepared to call it off rather than see Jeremy Corbyn enter Number 10.

54% of Tory members would also be willing to see their own party destroyed if it meant securing Brexit. The only thing members would be willing to give up Brexit for is to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of Number 10 (51%) https://t.co/9iJKlB292vpic.twitter.com/c6rnG930H5

The survey found that 63% of members would be prepared to see Brexit take place even if it meant Scotland leaving the UK.

Some 61% would rather Brexit took place even if it caused “significant damage” to the economy, 59% would prioritise leaving the EU even if it meant Northern Ireland breaking away from the rest of the UK, and 54% would accept the Tory party “being destroyed” in order to secure Brexit.

But only 39% of the members who responded to the question said they would want Brexit to take place if it meant Labour leader Mr Corbyn becoming the next prime minister, with 51% saying they would rather the UK did not leave the EU in order to avoid that happening.

The survey also found 26% of Tory members would be happy to see Scotland leave the UK, as would 20% be if Northern Ireland did so, regardless of the Brexit issue.

Tory members aren't just ideologically committed to Brexit. They believe that failing to deliver Brexit will put their party out of power for good, and that delivering it (even a no-deal version) will win them at least the next election https://t.co/9iJKlB292vpic.twitter.com/ubPaANsXmF

YouGov’s Matthew Smith said: “Conservative members are not just ideologically committed to Brexit – they also genuinely believe that the failure to deliver on the result of the 2016 referendum will bring about the destruction of the party’s electoral chances.

“Indeed, half (51%) of members believe that Britain ending up staying in the EU after all would damage the party to the extent that it will never lead a government again, and another 29% think it would put the party out of power for multiple elections to come.

(PA Graphics)

“By contrast, most members believe that successfully bringing about Brexit will win the Tories at least the next election.”

Another survey from Opinium found that a third of those who watched at least some of the Channel 4 leadership debate on Sunday thought Rory Stewart performed best.

Jeremy Hunt was second on 18%, Dominic Raab third on 10%, Sajid Javid had 9% and Michael Gove was last with 6%.

Theresa May’s official spokesman, when asked about the poll, said: “Right from her very first day in office and throughout the Brexit negotiations, the Prime Minister has placed great importance upon securing the Union.

“It is hugely important to her and I think you have seen throughout her commitment to trying to protect the integrity of the Union.”

– YouGov surveyed 892 Conservative Party members on June 11-14. Opinium carried out an online survey of 610 adults who watched the Channel 4 debate on June 17.